22nd October: Laos Independence Day

It's Laos Independence day. 10 things you didn't know about Laos.

1. Laos is the only landlocked country in South East Asia. It's bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
2. The first name for the area we now call Laos was Lan Xang, which means Million Elephants.
3. In 2009, archaeologists found a human skull in Northern Laos which is at least 46,000 years old, the oldest human fossil to be found in South East Asia to date.
4. The Capital and largest city is Vientiane.
5. During the Vietnam war, more bombs were dropped on Laos than were dropped in Europe during the second world war. This makes Laos the most bombed country ever. Even today, it's not possible to visit its highest peak, Phou Bia at 2,818 metres (9,245 ft), because of all the unexploded ammunition there.
6. Laos is home to the Plain of Jars, a megalithic archaeological landscape with thousands of huge stone jars scattered around the valleys. Archaeologists believe it is an ancient cemetery although local legends tell different stories. One says that the land was once inhabited by giants and the jars were made to hold the Wine and Beer they brewed to celebrate their victory in a battle; another says they are there to catch rainwater for thirsty travellers.
7. Laos is not an ideal holiday destination for trainspotters as it has no railways, except a short link to connect Vientiane with Thailand over the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
8. New Year celebrations in Laos last three days and take place from April 13 to 15.
9. Laos is home to the largest waterfall in south east Asia, The Khone Papeng.
10. Laos is the second biggest solar energy consumer in the world after Luxembourg.